Manchester City vs West Ham United : Pep Guardiola is off to a bright managerial start at Manchester City being top of the EPL table collecting 6 points with greater goal difference while securing another Champions league group qualification. The Hammers are struggling to revive their last season form, but the return of star player Dimitri Payet may just do the thing for the Hammers.

Manchester City Vs West Ham United Match Preview, Team News, Predicted Starting XI

Manchester City are in their full force after recording early two wins against Sunderland and Stoke City, two tricky opponents who can cause problems on their day. Pep Guardiola is off to a bright managerial start at Manchester City being top of the EPL table collecting 6 points with greater goal difference while securing another Champions league group qualification. Sergio Aguero is the leading top scorer with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at 3 goals while other players like Sterling, Silva, Nolito are impressing their fans.

On the other hand, West Ham had a shaky start. Losing to Chelsea in dying minutes in the opening match while recording a narrow 1-0 win against Bournemouth. Moreover, they were eliminated from Europa League against Romanian side Astra Girgiu (quite difficult to pronounce). Slaven Bilic will be highly concerned regarding their performances which hasn’t been much impressive. Even if Payet returns, the team can’t rely on him fully. But they have caused significant problems to their current opposition in the recent past. And they will look on to do the same.

Team News – Manchester City

The biggest news for Manchester City fans will be the arrival of recent Copa America winner Claudio Bravo. Probably the West Ham game will be too early for him integrating into the team. We can expect him starting after the international break, in the Manchester derby. The major reason behind this signing was more about developing play from the back with goalkeeper involved. Bravo’s arrival means Joe Hart will be departing from the club after a long service. It isn’t decided where he will land, but there isn’t much time left.

Willy Caballero who has started in the previous two League games will once again continue in the goal. New signing John Stones will partner Otamendi in the defence while Sagna and Clichy will be the fullback pairing. Fernandinho will be sitting back protecting the defence while Silva and De Bruyne will be terrorising West Ham defence. Upfront, Nolito and Sterling will be the wide forwards providing service to Sergio Aguero in an overall 4-3-3 system.

Probable Starting XI

Team News – West Ham United

West Ham dealt a major blow already. The Hammers are without new signing Andre Ayew who got injured in the season opener against Chelsea. Adding the recent injury to Andy Caroll, it makes the situation worse about leading the line upfront. While we can see Jonathan Calleri as a possible option, Enner Valencia will be more likely to grab the chance. Mark Noble will return to the starting lineup after missing out against Astra Girgiu with Cheikhou Kouyate in the midfield pivot.

But the big question will be about the fitness issues of their star men Dmitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini. Bilic confirmed that they will have late fitness tests and one of them can be gambled upon. He has to be careful about this as both players have just returned and any carelessness can result in a long-term injury.

Anyways, Adrian will continue to be the starting goalkeeper. Sam Byram will start in the right back position, Collins and Reid will be the reliable centre back pairing. New signing Masuaku will be covering injured Cresswell’s position. New signing Tore will partner Antonio on the wings. There is a slight chance that Payet may start in the hole behind the striker. Enner Valencia seems more favourable to lead the attack.

Probable Starting XI

Manchester City Vs West Ham United Match Prediction

Although Slaven Bilic proved a big worry, not only just to Manchester City but all the big teams. But facing Pep Guardiola when your team isn’t in form doesn’t look promising. I would go with a 2-0 win to Guardiola’s side considering both teams’ form. However, team form is just a part of deciding the match verdict. Manchester City vs West Ham United: Will Pep bring Man City back to winning ways against West Ham? Or will West Ham turn out once again to trouble the Citizens? We will find out tomorrow.

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